Algoma Alley Activation Project

 

Calling all local artists! Be a part of activating Algoma Alley in Downtown Oshkosh! We’re excited to invite YOU to participate in this community project!

The Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District & Oshkosh Art Collective is seeking artist proposals for 8 murals that range from small (10 square feet) to large (700 square feet). 

*We are no longer accepting applications for this project. Artists have been selected and will begin installing their artwork beginning the week of 9/17.

The project site is located along the alley on Algoma Blvd between North Main Street and Division by the 400 W N Main Street Public Parking Lot. This alley was selected based on public ownership of the alley, support of the surrounding business + property owners and the general need for improved public spaces throughout Downtown Oshkosh.

This project is a continuation of the City of Oshkosh’s Imagine Oshkosh plan which encourages the expansion of arts and culture in the Central City area. The plan states:

“Public art can create a greater sense of community, enhance and showcase the City of Oshkosh, and reinforce the Center City as a community focal point and social, cultural, entertainment center. In addition, public art can attract visitors to the Center City, generating economic activity. By promoting public art, the City can better position the Center City to become a stronger and more vibrant center for art and culture.”

The theme for the alley is a Wisconsin Native Nature Flow that incorporates native animals, plants and other wildlife that flows from land on the eastern walls to water to air/sky on the west side of the alley. 

In addition to public art, the Downtown BID will oversee the installation of wayfinding/entry signage, lighting, 3D art, planters and seating. 

 

 

Goals

  • Create welcoming and attractive public art displays that highlight local wildlife and nature
  • Improve the aesthetics and functionality of the alley by activating the space for pedestrians
  • Revitalize an underutilized, utilitarian space through a creative design process
  • Promote public art so the City can better position the Center City to become a stronger and more vibrant center for art and culture (Imagine Oshkosh Plan)

 

Project Details

The following art installations are planned as a part of the Algoma Alley Activation Project. Eight murals are planned for the alley that range from small (10 sq. ft.) to large (700 sq. ft.). Applications are open to Wisconsin Artists of all backgrounds and experience levels. Artists may apply for one or multiple installations. Please see the Art Mural Info Sheet which shows the approximate locations of art installations within the alley along with examples of walls, themes, artist budgets and a timeline overview.

  • Small – range from 10 square feet to 40 square feet
    • Theme: Land/Diversity
  • Medium – range from 40 square feet to 222 square feet
    • Theme: Land/Diversity
  • Large – approximately 650-750 square feet
    • Theme: Water

Learn More

 

Proposal

Please submit your application via Eventzilla. Details you can expect to see in the application:

  • Request for contact information
  • Mural wall/space selection
  • 2+ samples of artwork
  • Website and/or social media URL

The application window has closed.

 

Timeline

  • June-July 2023: Artists can apply for mural spaces of multiple sizes. Application deadline is July 29th, 2023. Registration link: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/algoma-alley-artist-application-2138590271
  • August 1st -13th, 2023: Artists are selected and announced. Follow-up questions may be emailed.
  • August 14th-31st, 2023: Selected artists are asked to create a mock-up of their art piece, which can be in digital or hardcopy form. Follow-up questions may be emailed.
  • September 1st – October 23rd, 2023: Mural creation window. Days and times artists can work on murals is flexible.
  • Late October/ Early November 2023: Artist reception in DT Oshkosh.
  • Phase 1 – Murals & Lighting (Complete 2023)
  • Phase 2 – 3D Art & Seating/Curb Appeal (Complete 2024)

 

Thanks to our Project Sponsors & Partners!

  • Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation – Vibrant Spaces Grant
  • Downtown Oshkosh BID
  • Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • The Hoopman Foundation
  • Oshkosh Into the Night
  • Oshkosh Area Community Foundation
  • Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
  • Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce

Press Release: https://downtownoshkosh.com/algoma-alley-activation-project/

Donate toward the Algoma Alley Activation Project